User interface for tissue ablation system

ABSTRACT

Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the ablation of tissue. Embodiments include an ablation catheter that has an array of ablation elements attached to a deployable carrier assembly. The carrier assembly can be constrained within the lumen of a catheter, and deployed to take on an expanded condition. The carrier assembly includes multiple electrodes that are configured to ablate tissue at low power. Systems include an interface unit with a visual display that provides a visual representation of the geometry of the ablation elements and/or provides selection means for selecting an icon provided on the display.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to, patentapplication Ser. No. 11/438,678, filed May 22, 2006, entitled USERINTERFACE FOR TISSUE ABLATION SYSTEM, and also claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/710,451, filed Aug. 22, 2005,entitled USER INTERFACE FOR TISSUE ABLATION SYSTEM, the entirety of allof which are incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

N/a

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to systems, catheters andmethods for performing targeted tissue ablation in a subject. Inparticular, the present invention provides catheters comprising two ormore ablation elements configured to precisely and efficiently deliverenergy to tissue, and a sophisticated user interface that allowssimplified use of the multi ablation element catheters.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tissue ablation is used in numerous medical procedures to treat apatient. Ablation can be performed to remove undesired tissue such ascancer cells. Ablation procedures may also involve the modification ofthe tissue without removal, such as to stop electrical propagationthrough the tissue in patients with an arrhythmia. Often the ablation isperformed by passing energy, such as electrical energy, through one ormore electrodes causing the tissue in contact with the electrodes toheat up to an ablative temperature. Ablation procedures can be performedon patients with atrial fibrillation by ablating tissue in the heart.

Mammalian organ function typically occurs through the transmission ofelectrical impulses from one tissue to another. A disturbance of suchelectrical transmission may lead to organ malfunction. One particulararea where electrical impulse transmission is critical for proper organfunction is in the heart. Normal sinus rhythm of the heart begins withthe sinus node generating an electrical impulse that is propagateduniformly across the right and left atria to the atrioventricular node.Atrial contraction leads to the pumping of blood into the ventricles ina manner synchronous with the pulse.

Atrial fibrillation refers to a type of cardiac arrhythmia where thereis disorganized electrical conduction in the atria causing rapiduncoordinated contractions that result in ineffective pumping of bloodinto the ventricle and a lack of synchrony. During atrial fibrillation,the atrioventricular node receives electrical impulses from numerouslocations throughout the atria instead of only from the sinus node. Thiscondition overwhelms the atrioventricular node into producing anirregular and rapid heartbeat. As a result, blood pools in the atria andincreases the risk of blood clot formation. The major risk factors foratrial fibrillation include age, coronary artery disease, rheumaticheart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and thyrotoxicosis. Atrialfibrillation affects 7% of the population over age 65.

Atrial fibrillation treatment options are limited. Three knowntreatments, lifestyle change, medical therapy and electricalcardioversion all have significant limitations. Lifestyle change onlyassists individuals with lifestyle-related atrial fibrillation.Medication therapy assists only in the management of atrial fibrillationsymptoms, may present side effects more dangerous than atrialfibrillation, and fail to cure atrial fibrillation. Electricalcardioversion attempts to restore sinus rhythm but has a high recurrencerate. In addition, if there is a blood clot in the atria, cardioversionmay cause the clot to leave the heart and travel to the brain or to someother part of the body, which may lead to stroke. What are needed arenew methods for treating atrial fibrillation and other conditionsinvolving disorganized electrical conduction.

Various ablation techniques have been proposed to treat atrialfibrillation, including the Cox-Maze procedure, linear ablation ofvarious regions of the atrium, and circumferential ablation of pulmonaryvein ostia. The Cox-Maze procedure and linear ablation procedures areunrefined, unnecessarily complex, and imprecise, with unpredictable andinconsistent results and an unacceptable level of unsuccessfulprocedures. These procedures are also tedious and time-consuming, takingseveral hours to accomplish. Pulmonary vein ostial ablation is provingto be less effective and when ablations are performed too close orinside the pulmonary vein rapid stenosis and potential occlusion of thepulmonary veins can result. There is therefore a need for improvedatrial ablation catheters, systems and techniques, as well assophisticated user interfaces to safely and effectively use thesecatheters.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, an ablation system used byan operator to treat a patient is disclosed. The system comprisesablation catheters that have a flexible carrier assembly that includesat least two ablation elements configured to map electrocardiogram anddeliver energy to tissue. The system further includes an interface unitfor providing energy to the ablation elements of the ablation catheter.The interface unit also has a visual display that provides to theoperator a visual representation of the geometry of the at least twoablation elements. Information such as system parameter information isdisplayed in geometric relation to the visual representation of theablation elements enabling simplified viewing and modifying of systemparameters.

According to a second aspect of the invention, an ablation system usedby an operator to treat a patient is disclosed. The system comprises anablation catheter that has a flexible carrier assembly that includes atleast two ablation elements configured to deliver energy to tissue. Thesystem further includes an interface unit for providing energy to theablation elements of the ablation catheter. The interface unit also hasa control interface with a visual display. The control interfaceincludes selection means configured to permit an operator to select anicon displayed on the visual display. Selection of the icon is used tomodify the form in which information is displayed, or select informationto be modified.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a percutaneous catheterfor performing a sterile medical procedure is disclosed. The catheter isfor inserting into a body cavity such as a vessel of a patient andincludes an elongate tubular structure with a proximal end and a distalend. On the proximal end of the tubular structure is a handle that ismaintained within a sterile field during the medical procedure. Thehandle further includes a control assembly for controlling a separatemedical device. In a preferred embodiment, the separate medical deviceis outside of the sterile field.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate various embodiments of thepresent invention, and, together with the description, serve to explainthe principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates the treatment to be accomplished with the devices andmethods described below;

FIG. 2 a illustrates a perspective view of an ablation catheterconsistent with the present invention in which the carrier element hasfour carrier arms each including two ablation elements;

FIG. 2 b is a sectional view of a finned electrode of FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 3 a illustrates a perspective, partial cutaway view of a preferredembodiment of an ablation catheter in which the carrier element hasthree carrier arms each including two ablation elements, an interfaceattached to the ablation catheter, and a remote control device, allconsistent with the present invention;

FIG. 3 b is a sectional view of a distal portion of the ablationcatheter of FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of an interface unit and user interfaceconsistent with the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a handle of a catheter deviceconsistent with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is flowchart summarizing a programmed sequence used to selectablation elements or electrodes; and

FIG. 7 is flowchart summarizing a procedure in which the ablationcatheter is employed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

The present invention utilizes ablation therapy. Tissue ablation isoften used in treating several medical conditions, including abnormalheart rhythms. Ablation can be performed both surgically andnon-surgically. Non-surgical ablation is typically performed in aspecial lab called the electrophysiology (EP) laboratory. During thisnon-surgical procedure a catheter is inserted into a vessel such as avein, and guided into the heart using fluoroscopy for visualization.Subsequently, an energy delivery apparatus is used to supply energy tothe heart muscle. This energy either “disconnects” or “isolates” thepathway of the abnormal rhythm. It can also be used to disconnect theconductive pathway between the upper chambers (atria) and the lowerchambers (ventricles) of the heart. For individuals requiring heartsurgery, ablation can be performed during coronary artery bypass orvalve surgery.

The present invention provides catheters for performing targeted tissueablation in a subject. In preferred embodiments, the catheters comprisea tubular body member having a proximal end and distal end andpreferably a lumen extending therebetween. The catheter is preferably ofthe type used for performing intracardiac procedures, typically beingintroduced from the femoral vein in a patient's leg or a vein in thepatient's neck. The catheter is preferably introducible through a sheathwith a steerable tip that allows positioning of the distal portion to beused, for example, when the distal end of the catheter is within a heartchamber. The catheters include ablation elements mounted on a carrierassembly. The carrier assembly is preferably attached to a coupler,which in turn is connected to a control shaft that is coaxially disposedand slidingly received within the lumen of the tubular body member. Thecarrier assembly is deployable from the distal end of the tubular bodymember by advancing the control shaft, such as to engage one or moreablation elements against cardiac tissue, which is typically atrial walltissue or other endocardial tissue. Retraction of the control shaftcauses the carrier assembly to be constrained within the lumen of thetubular body member.

Arrays of ablation elements, preferably electrode arrays, may beconfigured in a wide variety of ways and patterns. In particular, thepresent invention provides devices with electrode arrays that provideelectrical energy, such as radiofrequency (RF) energy, in monopolar(unipolar), bipolar or combined monopolar-bipolar fashion, as well asmethods for treating conditions (e.g., atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, atrial tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia,ventricular fibrillation, and the like) with these devices. Alternativeto or in combination with ablation elements that deliver electricalenergy to tissue, other forms and types of energy can be deliveredincluding but not limited to: sound energy such as acoustic energy andultrasound energy; electromagnetic energy such as electrical, magnetic,microwave and radiofrequency energies; thermal energy such as heat andcryogenic energies; chemical energy such as energy generated by deliveryof a drug; light energy such as infrared and visible light energies;mechanical and physical energy such as pressurized fluid; radiation; andcombinations thereof.

As described above, the normal functioning of the heart relies on properelectrical impulse generation and transmission. In certain heartdiseases (e.g., atrial fibrillation) proper electrical generation andtransmission are disrupted or are otherwise abnormal. In order toprevent improper impulse generation and transmission from causing anundesired condition, the ablation catheters of the present invention maybe employed.

One current method of treating cardiac arrhythmias is with catheterablation therapy, which, to date, has been difficult and impractical toemploy. In catheter ablation therapy, physicians make use of cathetersto gain access into interior regions of the body. Catheters withattached electrode arrays or other ablating devices are used to createlesions that disrupt electrical pathways in cardiac tissue. In thetreatment of cardiac arrhythmias, a specific area of cardiac tissuehaving aberrant conductive pathways, such as atrial rotors, emitting orconducting erratic electrical impulses, is initially localized. A user(e.g., a physician such as an electrophysiologist) directs a catheterthrough a main vein or artery into the interior region of the heart thatis to be treated. The ablating element is next placed near the targetedcardiac tissue that is to be ablated. The physician directs energy,provided by a source external to the patient, from one or more ablationelements to ablate the neighboring tissue and form a lesion. In general,the goal of catheter ablation therapy is to disrupt the electricalpathways in cardiac tissue to stop the emission of and/or prevent thepropagation of erratic electric impulses, thereby curing the heart ofthe disorder. For treatment of atrial fibrillation, currently availablemethods and devices have shown only limited success and/or employdevices that are extremely difficult to use or otherwise impractical.

The ablation catheters of the present invention allow the generation oflesions of appropriate size and shape to treat conditions involvingdisorganized electrical conduction (e.g., atrial fibrillation). Theablation catheters and the energy-providing interface unit of thepresent invention are also practical in terms of ease-of-use andlimiting risk to the patient, such as by significantly reducingprocedure times. The present invention accomplishes these goals by, forexample, the use of spiral shaped, radial arm shaped (also calledumbrella shaped) and zigzag shaped carrier assemblies whose ablationelements create spiral, radial, zigzag or other simple or complex shapedpatterns of lesions in the endocardial surface of the atria by deliveryof energy to tissue or other means. The lesions created by the ablationcatheters are suitable for inhibiting the propagation of inappropriateelectrical impulses in the heart for prevention of reentrantarrhythmias. Simplified ease of use of these ablation catheters isaccomplished with a sophisticated user interface, integral to theinterface unit, which includes a visual display that provides a visualrepresentation of the geometry of the ablation elements of the ablationcatheter.

Definitions. To facilitate an understanding of the invention, a numberof terms are defined below.

As used herein, the terms “subject” and “patient” refer to any animal,such as a mammal like livestock, pets, and preferably a human. Specificexamples of “subjects” and “patients” include, but are not limited, toindividuals requiring medical assistance, and in particular, requiringatrial fibrillation catheter ablation treatment.

As used herein, the terms “catheter ablation” or “ablation procedures”or “ablation therapy,” and like terms, refer to what is generally knownas tissue destruction procedures.

As used herein, the term “ablation element” refers to an energy deliveryelement, such as an electrode for delivering electrical energy. Ablationelements can be configured to deliver multiple types of energy, such asultrasound energy and cryogenic energy, either simultaneously orserially. Electrodes can be constructed of a conductive plate, wirecoil, or other means of conducting electrical energy through contactingtissue. In monopolar energy delivery, the energy is conducted from theelectrode, through the tissue to a ground pad, such as a conductive padattached to the back of the patient. The high concentration of energy atthe electrode site causes localized tissue ablation. In bipolar energydelivery, the energy is conducted from a first electrode to one or moreseparate electrodes, relatively local to the first electrode, throughthe tissue between the associated electrodes. Bipolar energy deliveryresults in more precise, shallow lesions while monopolar deliveryresults in deeper lesions. Both monopolar and bipolar delivery provideadvantages, and the combination of their use is a preferred embodimentof this application. Energy can also be delivered using pulse widthmodulated drive signals, well known to those of skill in the art. Energycan also be delivered in a closed loop fashion, such as a system withtemperature feedback wherein the temperature modifies the type,frequency and/or magnitude of the energy delivered.

As used herein, the term “carrier assembly” refers to a flexiblecarrier, on which one or more ablation elements are disposed. Carrierassemblies are not limited to any particular size, or shape, and can beconfigured to be constrained within an appropriately sized lumen.

As used herein, the term “spiral tip” refers to a carrier assemblyconfigured in its fully expanded state into the shape of a spiral. Thespiral tip is not limited in the number of spirals it may contain.Examples include, but are not limited to, a wire tip body with onespiral, two spirals, ten spirals, and a half of a spiral. The spiralscan lie in a relatively single plane, or in multiple planes. A spiraltip may be configured for energy delivery during an ablation procedure.

As used herein the term “umbrella tip” refers to a carrier assembly witha geometric center which lies at a point along the axis of the distalportion of the tubular body member, with one or more bendable or hingedcarrier arms extending from the geometric center, in an umbrellaconfiguration. Each carrier arm may include one or more ablationelements. Each carrier arm of an umbrella tip includes a proximal armsegment and a distal arm segment, the distal arm segment more distalthan the proximal arm segment when the carrier assembly is in a fullyexpanded condition. One or more additional carrier arms can be includedwhich include no ablation elements, such as carrier arms used to providesupport or cause a particular deflection. An umbrella tip body is notlimited to any particular size. An umbrella tip may be configured forenergy delivery during an ablation procedure.

As used herein, the term “lesion,” or “ablation lesion,” and like terms,refers to tissue that has received ablation therapy. Examples include,but are not limited to, scars, scabs, dead tissue, burned tissue andtissue with conductive pathways that have been made highly resistive ordisconnected.

As used herein, the term “spiral lesion” refers to an ablation lesiondelivered through a spiral tip ablation catheter. Examples include, butare not limited to, lesions in the shape of a wide spiral, and a narrowspiral, a continuous spiral and a discontinuous spiral.

As used herein, the term “umbrella lesion” or “radial lesion,” and liketerms, refers to an ablation lesion delivered through an umbrella tipablation catheter. Examples include, but are not limited to, lesionswith five equilateral prongs extending from center point, lesions withfour equilateral prongs extending from center point, lesions with threeequilateral prongs extending from center point, and lesions with threeto five non-equilateral prongs extending from center point.

As used herein, the term “coupler” refers to an element that connectsthe carrier assembly to the control shaft. Multiple shafts, or ends ofthe carrier assembly may connect to the coupler. Multiple carrier armscan have one or more of their ends attached to the coupler. The couplermay include anti-rotation means that work in combination with matingmeans in the tubular body member. Couplers may be constructed of one ormore materials such as polyurethane, steel, titanium, and polyethylene.

As used herein, the term “carrier arm” refers to a wire-like shaftcapable of interfacing with electrodes and the coupler. A carrier arm isnot limited to any size or measurement. Examples include, but are notlimited to: stainless steel shafts; Nitinol shafts; titanium shafts;polyurethane shafts; nylon shafts; and steel shafts. Carrier arms can beentirely flexible, or may include flexible and rigid segments.

As used herein, the term “carrier arm bend point” refers to a joint(e.g., junction, flexion point) located on a carrier arm. The degree offlexion for a carrier arm bend point may range from 0 to 360 degrees.The bend portion can be manufactured such that when the carrier assemblyis fully expanded, the bend point is positioned in a relatively straightconfiguration, a curved configuration, or in a discrete transition froma first direction to a second direction, such as a 45 degree bendtransition. The bend portion can include one or more flexing means suchas a spring, a reduced diameter segment, or a segment of increasedflexibility.

The present invention provides structures that embody aspects of theablation catheter. The present invention also provides tissue ablationsystems and methods for using such ablation systems. The illustrated andvarious embodiments of the present invention present these structuresand techniques in the context of catheter-based cardiac ablation. Thesestructures, systems, and techniques are well suited for use in the fieldof cardiac ablation.

However, it should be appreciated that the present invention is alsoapplicable for use in other tissue ablation applications such as tumorablation procedures. For example, the various aspects of the inventionhave application in procedures for ablating tissue in the prostrate,brain, gall bladder, uterus, and other regions of the body, preferablyregions with an accessible wall or flat tissue surface, using systemsthat are not necessarily catheter-based.

The multifunctional catheters of the present invention have numerousadvantages over previous prior art devices. The present inventionachieves efficiency in tissue ablation by maximizing contact betweenelectrodes and tissue, such as the atrial walls, while also achievingrapid and/or efficient transfer of heat from the electrode into thecirculating blood (“cooling”), such as by maximizing electrode surfacearea in contact with circulating blood. To achieve this result, in apreferred embodiment the electrode has a projecting fin that isconfigured to act as a heat sink that provides rapid and efficientcooling of the electrode. In another preferred embodiment, the electrodecomprises two components such that one component, the electrodeconductive portion, contracts tissue and the other component, thenonconductive portion, remains thermally conductive. The presentinvention includes electrodes with improved and miniaturized crosssectional geometries and carrier assemblies that “fold-up” efficientlyto allow a smaller ablation catheter to be employed. These improvedelectrodes are preferably triangularly shaped as described in detail inreference to subsequent figures below. Because these triangularelectrodes fold up efficiently, and can have either a “base” to contacttissue or a “point” to contact tissue, greater efficiency andversatility are achieved. The devices and systems are configured tominimize the amount of tissue ablated while still achieving the desiredtherapeutic benefit of the ablation therapy. Ablated lesions are createdwith a target depth, and minimal widths. System components monitorenergy delivered, parameters associated with energy delivered and othersystem parameters. Energy delivered is prevented from achieving one ormore threshold values.

FIGS. 1-7 show various embodiments of the multifunctional catheters ofthe present invention. The present invention is not limited to theseparticular configurations.

FIG. 1 illustrates the treatment to be accomplished with the devices andmethods described herebelow. FIG. 1 shows a cutaway view of the humanheart 1 showing the major structures of the heart including the rightatrium 2, the left atrium 3, the right ventricle 4, and the leftventricle 5. The atrial septum 6 separates the left and right atria. Thefossa ovalis 7 is a small depression in the atrial septum that may beused as an access pathway to the left atrium from the right atrium. Thefossa ovalis 7 can be punctured, and easily reseals and heals afterprocedure completion. In a patient suffering from atrial fibrillation,aberrant electrically conducive tissue may be found in the atrial walls8 and 9, as well as in the pulmonary veins 10 and the pulmonary arteries11. Ablation of these areas, referred to arrhythmogenic foci (alsoreferred to as drivers or rotors), is an effective treatment for atrialfibrillation. Though circumferential ablation of the pulmonary veinusually cures the arrhythmia that originates in the pulmonary veins, asa sole therapy it is usually associated with lesions that have high riskof the eventual stenosis of these pulmonary veins, a very undesirablecondition. The catheters of the present invention provide means ofcreating lesions remote from these pulmonary veins and their ostia whileeasily being deployed to ablate the driver and rotor tissue.

To accomplish this, catheter 100 is inserted into the right atrium 2,preferably through the inferior vena cava 20, as shown in theillustration, or through the superior vena cava 21. Catheter 100 mayinclude an integral sheath, such as a tip deflecting sheath, or may workin combination with a separate sheath. When passing into the leftatrium, the catheter passes through or penetrates the fossa ovalis 7,such as over a guide wire placed by a trans-septal puncture device. Thecatheter 100 carries a structure carrying multiple ablation elementssuch as RF electrodes, carrier assembly 120, into the left atrium.Carrier assembly 120, which includes multiple electrodes 130, can beadvanced and retracted out of distal end of catheter 100. Carrierassembly 120 is adapted to be deformable such that pressing carrierassembly 120 into left atrial wall 9 will cause one or more, andpreferably all of electrodes 130 to make contact with tissue to beanalyzed and/or ablated. Each of the electrodes 130 is attached viaconnecting wires to an energy delivery apparatus, RF delivery unit 200,which is also attached to patch electrode 25, preferably a conductivepad attached to the back of the patient.

RF delivery unit 200 is configured to deliver RF energy in monopolar,bipolar or combination monopolar-bipolar energy delivery modes. In apreferred embodiment, monopolar energy delivery is followed by bipolarenergy delivery. In an alternative embodiment, the bipolar energy isthen followed by a period without energy delivery; such as a sequence inwhich the three steps are have equal durations. In another preferredembodiment, RF delivery unit 200 is configured to also provideelectrical mapping of the tissue that is contacted by one or moreelectrodes integral to carrier assembly 120. Electrodes 130, preferablywith a triangular cross section, can also be configured to be mappingelectrodes and/or additional electrodes can be integral to carrierassembly 120 to provide a mapping function. Carrier assembly 120 isengageable over an endocardial surface to map and/or ablate tissue onthe surface. RF energy is delivered after a proper location of theelectrodes 130 is confirmed with a mapping procedure. If the position isdetermined to be inadequate, carrier assembly 120 is repositionedthrough various manipulations at the proximal end of the ablationcatheter 100. In another preferred embodiment, RF delivery unit 200 isconfigured to deliver both RF energy and ultrasound energy throughidentical or different electrodes 130. In another preferred embodiment,RF delivery unit 200 is configured to accept a signal from one or moresensors integral to ablation catheter 100, not shown, such that theenergy delivered can be modified via an algorithm which processes theinformation received from the one or more sensors. The improvedelectrodes and other catheter and system components of the presentinvention typically require only 3 to 5 watts of RF energy to adequatelyablate the tissue. The minimal power requirements results in reducedprocedure time as well as greatly enhanced safety of the overallprocedure.

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the ablationcatheter 100 of the present invention. These ablation catheters havetriangular electrodes 130, each with fin 133 configured to provide rapidand efficient cooling of electrode 130. The cooling efficiency preventsover-heating of the electrode and neighboring tissue during ablation, aswell as a short transition time from an ablation temperature, preferably60.degree. C., to body temperature, typically 37.degree. C. after anablation cycle has ceased. This rapid transition is typically less than20 seconds, even when the electrode remains in contact with recentlyablated tissue. Other benefits of the rapid and efficient coolingelectrode configuration include reducing the risk of blood clotting.

The ablation elements of the present invention include RF energydelivery electrodes 130 of FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, as well as other elementscapable of delivering one or more forms of energy, described in detailhereabove, the electrodes and other system components configured in amanner sufficient to controllably ablate tissue. Electrodes 130 includeconductive materials, such as a metal or metal-coated material. Metalsand combinations of metals are appropriate such as: platinum, iridium,gold, stainless steel and aluminum. Conductive polymers are alsoappropriate materials. Conductive surfaces may be painted, coated orplated surfaces, such as gold plated over a copper base. Electrodematerials may also include foils such as aluminum or gold foils attachedto a base. Electrodes 130 deliver RF energy in monopolar or bipolar modeas has been described in reference to FIG. 1. Electrodes 130 aredesigned to have small surface area, typically less than 2.5 mm² andpreferably approximating 0.56 mm². Electrodes 130 are designed to havesmall volume, typically less than 3.0 mm³ and preferably approximating1.3 mm³. Electrodes 130 are designed to have small mass, typically lessthan 0.05 grams, and preferably approximating 0.03 grams. Theseminiaturized electrodes, especially those with a triangular crosssection, provide numerous advantages such as high ratio of energy tosurface area (energy density) during ablation, as well as efficientlycompact volume of carrier assembly 120 when constrained within the lumenof the ablation catheter in the retracted, undeployed state.

FIG. 2 a shows the structures of the ablation carrier assembly 120 andother portions of ablation catheter 100. The ablation carrier assembly120 shown includes carrier arms 123 that extend radially out from thecentral axis of the distal end of catheter shaft 101, the carrier arms123 positioned in a symmetric configuration with equal angles (ninetydegrees in a four arm configuration between each arm). Carrier assembly120 is shown with four carrier arms 123, however any number can be used,and each arm can carry one or more mapping or ablating electrodes 130,or be void of electrodes. Carrier arms 123 are resiliently biased,preferably constructed of a wire such as a ribbon wire, and may havesegments with different levels of flexibility. Carrier arms 123 areshown with multiple electrodes 130 fixedly mounted (such as with glues,soldering, welding, crimping or other attachment means) to its distalarm segment 127. In an alternative embodiment, different patterns ofelectrodes are employed, and one or more arms may be void of electrodessuch as where carrier arm 123 provides support only. In a preferredembodiment, different types of ablation elements are mounted to one ormore carrier arms 123, such as electrodes with different geometries, orablation elements that deliver different forms of energy. Carrier arms123 may also include mapping electrodes, thermal sensors or othersensors, with or without the inclusion of ablation elements. In apreferred embodiment, each carrier arm 123 includes at least oneablation element. In alternative embodiments, three or more arms can beseparated by non-equal angles.

Each carrier arm 123 includes proximal arm segment 125 and distal armsegment 127. Electrodes 130 are mounted onto distal arm segment 127.During the ablation procedure, an operator presses distal arm segment127 into tissue prior to and during energy delivery. Carrier assembly120 is configured with specific rigidity such that the operator canexert a nominal force to cause the appropriate electrodes 130 to pressand slightly “bury” into the tissue, without perforating or otherwisedamaging the neighboring tissue. In a preferred embodiment, the distalarm segments contain thermocouples such as sensors embedded in theelectrodes 130, or sensors mounted equidistant between two electrodes130. Proximal arm segment 125 and distal arm segment 127 connect at abendable joint, carrier arm bend point 121. In a preferred embodiment,proximal arm segment 125, distal arm segment 127 and bend point 121 area continuous resiliently flexible wire. Each distal arm segment 127bends radially inward from the bend point 121 toward the longitudinalaxis of catheter shaft 101. The distal arm segments 127 are shown alsoto tend proximally, to establish an acute angle with the proximal armsegment 125 from which it extends, and the angle is small such that thedistal end of the distal arm segment 127 is proximal to the carrier armbend point 121. Bend point 121 allows “folding out” of carrier assembly120 during retraction, acting as a hinge in providing the means forrotably joining the distal arm segment 127 to the proximal arm segment125. The proximal arm segment 125 of the carrier arm 123 may includetemperature sensors, not shown, such as thermocouples to measuretemperature of blood. In the configuration shown, the proximal armsegment 125 will not contact tissue during the ablation procedure. In analternative embodiment, proximal arm segment 125 includes one or moreelectrodes, for ablation and/or for mapping, such that the opposite sideof carrier assembly 120 can be used to map or ablate tissue and isconfigured to contact tissue, such as when carrier assembly 120 isdeployed and catheter shaft 101 is in tension such as when pulled backby an operator.

Each distal arm segment 127 connects, at its end opposite bend point121, to connection point 124, a mechanical joint such as a soldered,crimped or welded connection that stabilizes each distal arm segment 127relative to the others. In a preferred embodiment, two continuous wiresor ribbons are used to create the four distal arm segments 127. Eachwire or ribbon comprises the pair of distal arm segments 127 that arelinearly aligned, and the two wires are connected at their midpoint atconnection point 124. These wires or ribbons are preferably constructedof Nitinol, but other materials such as stainless steel or a plastic maybe used. In an alternative embodiment, the two connection wires areresiliently biased to deploy in the configuration shown in FIG. 2 a, butdo not include connection point 124 such that the center portion of thetwo continuous wires can move relative to each other.

Referring to the ablation catheter 100 structures, FIG. 2 a shows atubular body member that is an elongated, flexible, hollow tube,catheter shaft 101, which connects at its proximal end to handle 110.The material used for the construction of the catheter shaft 101 andeach component which resides or is configured to be inserted through alumen integral to catheter shaft 101, are selected to provide thesuitable flexibility, column strength and steerability to allowpercutaneous introduction of ablation catheter 100 through thevasculature of the patient, entering the right atrium 2 through theseptum 6 and into the left atrium 3. Catheter shaft 101 and othertubular conduits of ablation catheter 100 are constructed of materialssuch as Pebax, urethanes, nylons, thermoplastic elastomers, andpolyimides. The shafts may be reinforced with wire or plastic braidsand/or may include coil springs. Catheter shaft 101 is typically between4 to 12 French and typically 6 to 8 French. In a preferred embodiment,catheter shaft 101 is introduced through a deflectable sheath where thesheath mechanism is already in place in left atrium 3. In an alternativeembodiment, catheter 100 is inserted directly without the use of anouter sheath, and catheter 100 includes a deflectable tip assembly anddeflection controls.

Handle 110 on the ablation catheter includes controls to operate thecarrier assembly 120. Handle 110 is constructed of a rigid or semi-rigidmaterial such as Delrin or polycarbonate, and includes button 116 thatis connected to switch means, not shown, for starting and/or stoppingthe delivery of energy to one or more of electrodes 130. Handle 110 mayinclude other controls, not shown, to perform numerous functions such aschange energy delivery settings. Handle 110 may include a retractionmechanism, not shown, to advance and retreat carrier assembly 120. In analternative embodiment, handle 110 is attached to an inner shaftslidingly received within catheter shaft 101 such that retraction of thehandle 110 causes the carrier assembly 120 to collapse and beconstrained within the lumen at end of catheter shaft 101. Carrier arm123 is resiliently biased in shown position so that it can be collapsedand withdrawn within lumen of catheter shaft 101 through manipulation ofhandle 110 on proximal end of catheter 100.

Handle 110 includes a plug 118 that attaches to an interface unit of thepresent invention, such as an RF energy generator that also includesmapping functions and display. Plug 118 is connected to electrical wiresthat extend distally with a lumen integral to catheter shaft 101 ofcarrier assembly 120, terminating at each of the electrodes 130.

FIG. 2 b illustrates the cross section, preferably a uniform crosssection, of one or more electrodes 130 mounted to distal arm segment 127of FIG. 2 a. A projecting member, fin 133, assists in the rapid andefficient cooling of electrode 130 during and after ablation energyapplication, acting as a heat sink and efficiently transferring heatenergy to the neighboring blood, such as blood circulating in the leftatrium 3 or the right atrium 2 depending upon where the carrier assembly120 has been placed by the operator. The size, surface area and mass offin 133 are chosen to effectively transfer the heat energy whileallowing carrier assembly 120 to achieve a sufficiently compactconfiguration when constrained within the lumen of the ablationcatheter. In a preferred embodiment, fin 133 is sized such that theportion of the surface area of electrode 130 that is in contact withcirculating blood is at least 60%, and preferably 70% of the totalsurface area of electrode 130. Fin 133 may change laminar and/or othernon-turbulent flows to turbulent flow, such that heat is moreefficiently transmitted away from electrode 130. In an alternativeembodiment, fin 133 may be electrically isolated from the remainder ofelectrode 130, such that fin 133 does not deliver energy to thecirculating blood. In another alternative embodiment, electrode 130 mayinclude multiple fins.

First wire 134 is an energy delivery conduit that connects to electrode130 to transfer ablation energy and preferably to also send and/orreceive signals to map the tissue of the heart. Second wire 135 depictsan exemplary wire that connects to electrode 130, and may act as thereturn wire to first wire 134, for return of ablation energy and/ormapping signals. Wire 134 and wire 135 are typically 30 awg wireincluding a 0.003″polyamide insulating outer jacket, each parameterchosen to carry sufficient ablation currents and prevent voltagebreakdown between neighboring wires. The efficiency of the electrodes ofthe present invention, as well as the efficient configuration of theother components of the system, allow greatly reduced wire gauge andinsulation thickness, correlating to smaller diameter and more flexibleablation catheters.

Surface 136 is the base of the electrode that is the part of thestructure that contacts tissue during ablation. In a preferredembodiment, surface 136 is a small surface area so that energy deliveredper square area is maximized. Fin 133 projects from the apex oppositesurface 136, and provides sufficient surface area such that the majorityof the surface area of electrode 130 resides in the circulating bloodwhen surface 136 is in contact with tissue and energy is beingdelivered. Within the triangular cross section of electrode 130 passeseach wire 134 and 135, as well as distal arm segment 127, to whichelectrode 130 is fixedly mounted.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 a and 3 b, another preferred embodiment of anablation catheter, system and method of the present invention isillustrated. The interface unit includes a control interface and meansof selecting one or more icons of a visual display. The icons areselected to change information viewed or modify a parameter. Catheter100 includes carrier assembly 120 configured in another umbrella tipconfiguration. Carrier assembly 120 includes three carrier arms 123,each separated by 120 degrees from the neighboring arm when in thedeployed condition, and each of which includes two ablation elements,electrodes 130. In an alternative embodiment, different patterns ofelectrodes are employed, and one or more arms may be void of electrodes.Electrodes can take on one or more various forms, such as electrodeswith energy delivery portions and non-energy delivery portions,electrodes with integral thermocouples, electrodes with projecting finsthat provide a heat sinking function, and other types of electrodes. Thesix electrodes 130 shown may have similar or dissimilar characteristics.They may be chosen to maximize cooling or maximize energy delivery totissue. Each electrode 130 may be energized with one or more forms ofenergy such as RF energy in a sequence of monopolar and bipolar energydelivery. In a preferred embodiment, multiple temperature sensors areintegral to carrier assembly 130, temperature sensors not shown butpreferably integral to electrodes 130 or fixedly attached to carrier arm123 approximately mid-way between two electrodes 130. In anotherpreferred embodiment, one or more force sensors are integral to carrierassembly 130, force sensors also not shown but typically one or morestrain gauges integral to electrodes 130 or carrier arm 123. In apreferred embodiment, the strain gauge is mounted to an electrode 130 ina laminate construction, such that force exerted on the laminateassembly is indicative of the amount of contact of that electrode withtissue of the patient. Information from these types of sensors iscarried by one or more wires, also not shown, to the interface unit ofthe present invention and provides system parameter information that canbe displayed to one or more operators with current or historic values.This information can be compared to target values and/or thresholdvalues to simplify and improve system performance.

Referring back to FIG. 3 a, carrier arms 123 extend radially out fromthe central axis of the distal end of catheter shaft 101. Each carrierarm 123 includes proximal arm segment 125 and distal arm segment 127,these segments connected at a bendable joint, bend point 121. In apreferred embodiment, proximal arm segment 125 and distal arm segment127 and bend point 121 are a continuous resiliently flexible wire, suchas a “trained” Nitinol wire that creates the umbrella tip. Eachelectrode 130 is mounted to an insulator, insulating band 131 such thatthe electrode is electrically isolated from the wire segments of carrierassembly 120. Each electrode 130 is connected to wires that extend alongshafts of carrier assembly 120, toward a lumen of catheter shaft 101,and proximally to handle 110. These wires, not shown but described indetail hereabove, include insulation to electrically isolate one wirefrom another. One end of each distal arm segment 127 is attached to acylinder, coupler 140, which is sized to be slidably received within alumen of catheter shaft 101.

Coupler 140 can be flexible or rigid, and may contain both rigid andflexible portions along its length. Coupler 140 may provide electricalconnection means to connect wires extending from the handle to wiresfrom carrier assembly 120 electrodes. The ends of the distal armsegments 127 and the ends of the proximal arm segments 125 can beattached to the outside of coupler 140, the inside of coupler 140 orboth. Coupler 140 includes along its outer surface, a projection,projection 142, which has a cross section profile which mates with arecess, groove 106 of catheter shaft 101 which prevents undesiredrotation of carrier assembly 120. In an alternative embodiment, cathetershaft 101 includes a projection, and coupler 140 includes a groove toaccomplish a similar prevention of rotation. In another alternativeembodiment, control shaft 150, which is slidingly received within alumen of shaft 101, additionally or alternatively includes a projectionor other means to mate with shaft 101 to prevent undesired rotation ofcarrier assembly 120. As depicted in FIG. 3 b, control shaft 140includes a thru lumen, lumen 152, such that ablation catheter 101 can beinserted over a guidewire (guidewire exit on handle 110 not shown).Additionally or alternatively, lumen 152 may include one or more wiresor other filamentous conduits extending from proximal handle 110 a pointmore distal.

Control shaft 150 is mechanically attached to coupler 140. Control shaft150 extends proximally to handle 110 and is operably connected to knob115 such that rotation of knob 115 from a deployed position to awithdrawn position causes carrier assembly 120 to be constrained withina lumen of catheter shaft 101, and rotation of knob 115 from a withdrawnposition to a deployed position causes carrier assembly 120 to extendbeyond the distal end of catheter shaft 101 to be in an expandedcondition. In a preferred embodiment, knob 115 is operably connected tocontrol shaft 150 via a cam, or set of gears, not shown, to provide amechanical advantage in the distance traveled by control shaft 150.

Catheter shaft 101 is preferably part of a steerable sheath, steeringmechanism not shown, and includes flush port 170, which is configured tobe attachable to a flushing syringe, used to flush blood and otherdebris or contaminants from the lumen of an empty catheter shaft 101(wherein control shaft 150, coupler 140 and carrier assembly 120 havebeen removed) or for flushing the space between control shaft 150 andthe inner wall of catheter shaft 101. Catheter shaft 101 is notconnected to handle 110, such that handle 110 can be withdrawn, removingcontrol shaft 150, coupler 140 and carrier assembly 120 from cathetershaft 101. This configuration is useful when these components areprovided in a kit form, including combinations of different versions ofthese components, the different combinations made available to treatmultiple patients, or a single patient requiring multiple electrodepatterns or other varied electrode properties such as tissue contactsurface area, electrode cooling properties and temperature sensorlocation. A preferred example of a kit would include the catheter shaft101 and flush port 170 of FIG. 3 a acting as a sheath; kitted with theinsertable shaft assembly comprising handle 110, control shaft 150,coupler 140 and umbrella tipped carrier assembly 120 (also of FIG. 3 a)combined with a second insertable shaft assembly. The second insertableshaft assembly preferably includes a differently configured carrierassembly such as an assembly with a different pattern of electrodes, oran assembly comprising electrodes with properties dissimilar from theelectrodes of the first insertable shaft assembly. Electrode or otherablation element variations include but are not limited to: type ofenergy delivered; size; cross sectional geometry; cooling properties;heating properties; and combinations thereof. In another preferredembodiment of the kit, a catheter configured for creating lesions at ornear the pulmonary veins of the left atrium is included.

Also depicted in FIG. 3 a is a system of the present invention,including in addition to ablation catheter 100, RF delivery unit 200, aninterface unit of the present invention which connects to handle 110with a multi-conductor cable 202 at RF attachment port 181. RF deliveryunit 200 includes user interface 201, such as a user interface includingdata input devices like touch screens, buttons, switches, keypads,magnetic readers and other input devices; and also including data outputdevices like data and image screens, lights, audible transducers,tactile transducers and other output devices. User interface 201 is usedto perform numerous functions including but not limited to: selectingelectrodes to receive energy (electrodes 130 of carrier assembly 120);setting power levels, types (bipolar and monopolar) and durations;setting catheter and other system threshold levels; setting mapping andother system parameters; initiating and ceasing power delivery;deactivating an alarm condition; and performing other functions commonto electronic medical devices. User interface 201 also providesinformation to the operator including but not limited to: systemparameter information including threshold information; mapping andablation information including ablation element temperature and coolinginformation; and other data common to ablation therapy and otherelectronic medical devices and procedures. In a preferred embodiment, RFdelivery unit 200 attaches to a temperature probe, such as an esophagealtemperature probe, determines the temperature from one or more sensorsintegral to the probe, and further interprets and/or displays thetemperature information on user interface 201. In another preferredembodiment, RF delivery unit 200 also includes cardiac mapping means,such that mapping attachment port 182 can be attached to RF deliveryunit 200 avoiding the need for a separate piece of equipment in thesystem. In another preferred embodiment, RF delivery unit 200 can alsodeliver ultrasound and/or another form of energy, such energy deliveredby one or more additional ablation elements integral to carrier assembly120, additional ablation elements not shown. Applicable types of energyinclude but are not limited to: sound energy such as acoustic energy andultrasound energy; electromagnetic energy such as electrical, magnetic,microwave and radiofrequency energies; thermal energy such as heat andcryogenic energies; chemical energy; light energy such as infrared andvisible light energies; mechanical and physical energy such aspressurized fluid; radiation; and combinations thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, ablation catheter 100 includes an embeddedidentifier (ID), an uploadable electronic or other code, which can beused by RF delivery unit 200 to confirm compatibility and otheracceptability of the specific catheter 100 with the specific RF deliveryunit 200. The electronic code can be a bar code, not shown, on handle110 which is read by RF delivery unit 200, an electronic code which istransferred to RF delivery unit 200 via a wired or wireless connection,not shown, or other identifying means, such as an RF tag embedded inhandle 110. In another preferred embodiment, RF delivery unit 200 alsoincludes an embedded ID, such as an ID that can be downloaded tocatheter 100 for a second or alternative acceptability check. Theembedded ID can also be used to automatically set certain parameters orcertain parameter ranges, and can be used to increase safety bypreventing inadvertent settings outside of an acceptable range for thespecific catheter 100.

Handle 110 includes mouse control 111, an adjustable knob that providestwo-dimensional control of cursor 230 of user interface 201, similar tomouse-control devices integral to some laptop computers. In a preferredembodiment, mouse control 111 can be torqued in various directions toachieve the two-dimensional control, and also pressed to provide a“click” or select function. Additionally or alternatively, an additionalcontrol of handle 110 can be used to perform the click function. Theclick function is used to select a graphic on visual display 220, suchas icon 240, preferably an icon representation an ablation element 130of carrier assembly 120. Numerous icons can be provided to the operatoron display 220, such as icons that include information relating tosystem performance such as power being delivered, patient condition suchas electrocardiogram (ECG) or tissue temperature, or a system parameterthat can be set by an operator such as a target or threshold value.Alternatively, an icon or other graphic can be selected to modify thedisplay mode, such as numeric form versus chart form, or a display modecharacteristic such as font size or color.

Mouse control 111 can control cursor 230 via wireless transmissionsusing a wireless transceiver, not shown, or wired communicationutilizing a wire integral to cable 202. Cursor 230 can be moved withinvisual display 220 of user interface 201 through manipulation of mousecontrol 111 and/or by other means, such as one or more controls integralto user interface 201 of RF delivery unit 200 or a computer mouseattached to RF delivery unit 200 (computer mouse not shown). In apreferred embodiment, visual display 220 is a touch screen display,permitting the selection of one or more icons, as well as other graphicimages provided on display 220, by an operator pressing at theappropriate location on display 220. In another preferred embodiment, avisual representation of one or more of: the geometry of the electrodes130, the geometry of one or more sensors, and the geometry of thepatient's anatomy, is further provided. Information, such as systemparameter information or other information, is displayed in relativegeometric orientation to the one or more visual representations ofcatheter geometry and patient anatomy.

Also included in the system of the present invention is an additionaldevice, handheld remote control 300. Remote control 300 includes a userinterface with user input components such as buttons, and may includeuser output components such as an LCD screen or touch screen. Remotecontrol 300 communicates with RF delivery unit 200 with wirelesstransmissions via an integral wireless transceiver than sends wirelessinformation to RF delivery unit 200, and preferentially can also receivewireless communications from RF delivery unit 200 and other devices. Ina preferred embodiment, remote control 300 is sterile and maintained inthe sterile field of the patient, for use by one or more sterileoperators, during the ablation procedure. In an alternative embodiment,remote control 300 is placed in a sealed, sterile bag and maintained inthe sterile field. Remote control 300, in addition to mouse control 111of ablation catheter 100 allow the clinician operator in the sterilefield to modify one or more parameters of RF delivery unit 200,preferably not in the sterile field. Parameters may include parametersthat cause one or more of: the activation or cessation of energydelivery; a change in the information displayed on visual display 220; achange in the manner in which information is displayed on visual display220 such as a change in font size, graphic size, brightness or contrast;a change in alert status such as the muting of an alarm; or otherfunction otherwise needed to be performed by an operator outside of thesterile field of the patient. In an alternative embodiment, remotecontrol 300 has a wired connection to RF delivery unit 200.

Handle 110 also includes two push buttons, first button 116 and secondbutton 117. These buttons can be used to perform one or more functions,and can work in cooperation with user input components of user interface201 such that commands entered into user interface 201 set the actiontaken when either or both button 116 and button 117 are pressed. In apreferred embodiment, both button 116 and button 117 must be pressedsimultaneously to deliver energy to one or more ablation elements ofcatheter 100. At the distal end of catheter shaft 101 is acircumferential band, band 104. Band 104 is preferably a visualizationmarker, such as a radiographic marker, ultrasound marker,electromagnetic marker, magnetic marker and combinations thereof. In analternative embodiment, band 104 transmits or receives energy, such aswhen the marker is used as a ground or other electrode during anablation. In another alternative embodiment, band 104 is an antenna usedto determine the position of the distal end of catheter shaft 101 or thelocation of another component in relation to band 104. In anotherpreferred embodiment, band 104 is used to store energy, such ascapacitively stored energy that can be used to generate a magnetic fieldor to deliver ablation energy.

While the ablation catheter of FIGS. 3 a and 3 b is shown with anumbrella tip geometry, it should be appreciated that numerousconfigurations of carrier arms, such as spiral, zigzag, and otherpatterns could be employed. These carrier assemblies are configured toprovide sufficient forces to maximally engage the appropriate ablationelement with the tissue to be ablated, without adversely impactingneighboring structures and other tissues. While the carrier assembly 120of FIG. 3 a “folds in” during retraction of shaft 150, other collapsingconfigurations can be employed such as the “fold out” configuration ofthe catheter of FIG. 2 a, or configuration in which the carrier assemblytransforms from a spiral, zigzag, or other curvilinear shape to arelatively straight or linear configuration as it is retracted andcaptured by the lumen of catheter shaft 101. Electrodes 130 of carrierassembly of FIG. 3 a are shown facing out from the distal end of shaft101 such that advancement or “pushing” of carrier assembly 120 engageselectrodes 130 with tissue. In an alternative embodiment, electrodes arepositioned, alternatively or additionally, to face toward the distal endof shaft 101. These electrodes may be mounted to proximal arm segment125 such that retraction or “pulling” of carrier assembly 120, oncedeployed, engages these rear-facing electrodes with tissue.

Ablation catheter 100 and RF delivery unit 200 are configured to ablatetissue with minimal power and precise control. RF Power levels arepreferably less than 10 watts per electrode, and preferably 3 to 5watts. Electrodes 130 are powered to reach an ablation temperature ofapproximately 60.degree. C. The electrode geometries of the presentinvention, described in detail in reference to FIGS. 2 a and 2 b,provide numerous and varied benefits including enhanced coolingproperties. Electrodes of the present invention are configured torapidly transition from an ablation temperature of 60.degree. C. to bodytemperature of 37.degree. C., such as in a time period less than 10seconds. These electrodes are further configured to rapidly increasefrom body temperature to ablation temperature, such as in a time periodless than 5 seconds. In a preferred embodiment, bipolar RF energy isdelivered subsequent to monopolar delivery. The electrodes and powerdelivery subsystems of the present invention are configured to allow theelectrode and neighboring tissue to decrease in temperature during thebipolar RF energy delivery following the monopolar delivery. Thisbimodal, sequential power delivery reduces procedure time, allowsprecise control of lesion depth and width, and reduces large swings inablation temperatures. In another preferred embodiment, the temperaturein the tissue in proximity to the electrode actually continues toincrease as the electrode temperature decreases, such as during thebipolar delivery following monopolar delivery. In an alternativeembodiment, the monopolar delivery cycle, the bipolar delivery cycle, orboth, are followed by a period of time in which no RF energy isdelivered. During this “off” time period, no energy may be delivered oran alternative energy may be delivered such as cryogenic energy thatactually decreases the temperature of the tissue in order to ablate.

In a preferred embodiment, parameters associated with the bipolar andmonopolar energy delivery are adjusted during the procedure,automatically by the system and/or manually by the operator. The energydelivery parameters are adjusted by measured, calculated or otherwisedetermined values include those relating to: energy deliveredmeasurements such as voltage or current delivered to an electrode; forceor pressure measurement such as the force exerted by the carrierassembly as measured by an integral strain gauge; other ablationcatheter or ablation system parameter; temperature of tissue; rate ofchange of temperature of tissue; temperature of an electrode or otherablation element; rate of change of temperature of an electrode or otherablation element; ECG; tissue thickness; tissue location; cardiacflow-rate; other patient physiologic and other patient parameters; andcombinations thereof. The energy delivery drive parameters may beadjusted by a combination of these determined values. In order toautomatically modify an energy delivery parameter, or to notify anoperator of a condition, these determined values are compared to athreshold, such as via a threshold comparator integral to the interfaceunit of the present invention. Threshold values can be calculated by thesystem or can be entered by the operator into a user interface of thesystem.

Energy delivered measurements, such as current, voltage and powermeasurements, which may be compared to a threshold value, includeaverage energy; instantaneous energy; peak energy; cumulative orintegrated energy amounts; and combinations thereof. In the catheter andsystem of the present invention, average power is approximately 5 Wattsand less, cumulative energy for a cycle of bipolar and monopolardelivery is typically less than 500 Watt-seconds and preferably lessthan 300 Watt-seconds (5 watts for 60 seconds). Each threshold value maychange over time and may be adjustable by an operator such as via apassword enabled user interface. Cumulative determined values, such ascumulative energy delivered and “time at temperature” values may be ableto be reset, such as automatically by the system and/or manually by anoperator. Automatic resets may occur at specific events such as eachtime an ablation element is repositioned on tissue or each time energydelivered changes states, including the switching of electrodesreceiving energy or the completion of a monopolar-bipolar deliverycycle.

Determined values such as temperature measurements may be made fromsingle or multiple sensors, such as multiple temperature sensors duringa single ablation cycle. In a preferred embodiment, multiple sensors areused and the more extreme (e.g. a higher temperature) value is comparedto a threshold. When the threshold comparator determines a particularthreshold has been reached, the system can adjust or otherwise react invarious ways. In a preferred embodiment, the system enters an alarm oralert state. In another preferred embodiment, the energy deliverytransmitted to an ablation element is modified; such as to cease orreduce the amount of RF energy delivered to an electrode. Numerousenergy delivery parameters can be modified including but not limited to:current level; voltage level; frequency (usually fixed at 500 KHz);bipolar delivery “on” times; monopolar delivery “on” times; no energydelivery “on” times; electrode selected such as bipolar return electrodeselected; and combinations thereof.

The automatic and manual adjustments of the present invention aretriggered by comparing a measured, calculated or otherwise determinedvalue to a threshold. These adjustments improve numerous outcomes of theproposed ablation therapy including those associated with improvedefficacy and reduced adverse events. Specific benefits include precisioncontrolled depth and width of lesions through a combination of bipolarand monopolar sequential duty cycles. The system is adjustable by theoperator to modify intended lesion geometry to safely avoid structureslike pulmonary vein lumens and the esophagus, as well as work inportions of the atrial wall that require deep lesions to effectivelyinterrupt aberrant pathways.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an interface unit of the present invention isillustrated. The interface unit is for attachment to an ablationcatheter, not shown, that includes at least two ablation elements usedto deliver energy to tissue. In a preferred embodiment, the at least twoablation elements of the ablation catheter are further configured torecord electrical signals from tissue. The interface unit provides oneor more forms of energy to the ablation catheter. The interface unitincludes a visual display that provides a visual representation of thegeometry of the at least two ablation elements. This visualrepresentation allows numerous icons and other graphics, such as thosecontaining system input or output information, to be visualized by oneor more operators of the system in a geometric location relative to thegeometric representation of the ablation elements. The functionality ofthe various icons and other graphics presented on the display may bemodified or programmed by the user. That is, the icons may be programmedby the user to visually represent different system parameters and/orpermit the modification of one or more system parameters. In analternative or additional embodiment, the user can create a new icon,after which one or more functionalities can be assigned, by the user orotherwise, to the activation of that icon. Such enhanced visualizationof information simplifies programming and use, especially with ablationcatheters including larger number of ablation elements and/or complexablation element patterns. Simplified use correlates to a shorter andsafer procedure for the patient, and reduced costs for the healthcaresystem. Information, such as system parameter information, includesinformation related to values of parameters, on or off states offunctions such as energy delivery and alarm functions, patientphysiologic parameters such as tissue temperature and ECG, and otherinformation used or produced by the system during the ablation and/ormapping procedure. Information may include numeric and/or or textvalues, and may be associated with a specific component of a catheter,such as a specific ablation or mapping element.

In a preferred embodiment, system parameter information displayed,selected and/or modified is selected from the group consisting of:

an energy delivery parameter such as the specific ablation element orelements selected for energy delivery, current, voltage, frequency,power, mode such as monopolar or bipolar mode, duration such as on timeor off time, impedance, and type of energy to be delivered such as RFenergy or ultrasound energy;

a sensor parameter such as selected sensor or selected multiple sensors,tissue contact measurement value; temperature, pressure, strain and ECG,cardiac flow rate, tissue thickness and tissue location;

an alarm parameter such as an alarm on state;

an additional catheter parameter such as distance between two ablationelements, distance between a sensor and an ablation element, anddistance between two sensors;

an additional system component parameter;

target value for a system parameter;

a threshold value for a system parameter;

a current (“real time”) value for a system parameter;

as well as derivatives (such as mathematically processed values) andcombinations thereof.

Referring back to FIG. 4, the interface unit of the present invention iscomprised of RF delivery unit 200, which is configured to provide RFenergy to an ablation catheter. RF delivery unit 200 is comprised of asingle discrete component including attachment ports, user inputcomponents and user output components. In an alternative embodiment, RFdelivery unit 200 includes multiple discrete components such as a RFgenerator unit and one or more separate video monitors. RF delivery unit200 includes multiple attachment ports, port 205 a, 205 b and 205 c.Port 205 a is for attachment to an ablation catheter, and includesenergy delivery conduit attachment such as a wire for delivering the RFenergy, wires and other conduits such as fiber optic cables fortransmitting or receiving light signals and energy. Port 205 b and port205 c may be attached to the same ablation catheter, a second ablationcatheter, and/or another catheter or other device. Each attachment portmay be configured to send or receive power or information signals, invarious forms including electrical, light and fluid such as cryogenicfluid. Attachment ports may provide connections for pressurized air orsaline for balloon inflation, flow of fluid for ablation and/or cooling,or other connection needs.

Unit 200 includes two visual displays, each preferably a touch screendisplay, first visual display 220 a and second visual display 220 b.Each display is configured to provide information to one or moreoperators of the system as well as allow these operators to modify asystem parameter or modify which information is to be displayed and theform in which it is displayed. The display may be preconfigured by themanufacturer so that the operator or operators are prived withcustomized information for future selection and/or activation by theoperator's choice. The programming may be performed with an input devicesuch as the touch screen display, the keypad 210, cursor 230, mechanicalswitches, or the like. In some cases the functionality of the inputdevices themselves may also be programmed by the operator. One or moreselection means can be used to select an icon or other graphic displayedunit 200. Keypad 210 is a membrane keypad mounted to the front panelallowing an operator to press one or more keys to select and modifydisplayed information. Wireless transceiver 206 is a wirelesscommunication element of the present invention and allows a separatecomponent, such as an ablation catheter of the present invention, alsoincluding wireless communication means, to send data in order to selectand modify displayed information. Alternatively, an ablation cathetercan transmit wired communication signals such as through attachment port205 a.

As shown in FIG. 4, first visual display 220 a, preferably a touchscreen display, provides a visual representation of a four-arm umbrellashaped carrier assembly, such as of the carrier assembly of the ablationcatheter of FIG. 2 a. The visual representation of the carrier assemblyincludes eight electrode icons, labeled “1” thru “8” on visual display220 a. The electrode icons, such as first electrode icon 241 forelectrode 1 and second electrode icon 242 for electrode 2, are shownmounted to a visual representation of the carrier arms, such as icon 241and icon 242 mounted to carrier arm 249. Shown on each ablation elementicon is temperature information for that electrode, for example degreesCelsius information “38” for electrode 1 and “43” for electrode 2 (twoelectrodes not receiving ablation energy), and “61” for electrode 7 and“59” for electrode 8 (two electrodes receiving ablation energy).Adjacent to and geographically associated with each ablation icon is anECG information icon, such as ECG information icon 247. The visualrepresentation can be displayed “actual size” in a 1 to 1 relationship,in an enlarged view, or in a miniaturized or reduced view.

In embodiments in which first visual display 220 a is a touch screen, anicon can be selected by pressing the part of the display in which theicon appears. Additionally or alternatively, the icon can be selected bymoving cursor 230 to a location at or above the icon, such as with amouse (not shown) attached to unit 200, a control such as a control onkeypad 210 of unit 200, or a remote cursor control device such as ahandle control described in reference to FIG. 3 a and FIG. 5. Whencursor 230 is placed above a particular icon, a click function such as amouse click or keyboard click function can be used to select the icon.Once selected, an icon can be changed in the value of informationdisplayed or the form in which the information is displayed utilizingone or more of the controls used to position the cursor.

Unit 200 of FIG. 4 further provides a second display, visual display 220b that includes a second visual representation of the geometry of theablation elements of a catheter that is attached to unit 200, catheternot shown. Display 220 b includes an array of electrode icons, similarto the visual representation provided on display 220 a. Adjacent to orabove the electrode icons is information that is related to eachspecific electrode, such as target power level information provided onicon 251 neighboring electrode 1, and the actual power level informationprovided on or within the icon for electrode 1. This particularpresentation of current and target information, a preferred embodimentof the present invention, provided in the actual geometric configurationof the ablation catheter, such as the four arm ablation catheter shown,provides a greatly simplified user interface for the clinician or otheroperator to rapidly and simply interpret. Further provided on visualdisplay 220 b is a visual representation of the distal end of theablation catheter, catheter icon 246, including a visual representationof an electrode mounted on the catheter body, catheter electrode icon248. Catheter electrode icon 248 represents an electrode mounted on thedistal end of the tubular body member of a catheter. Alternatively, icon248 may represent a sensor, such as a temperature sensor. Informationassociated with the geometric location of icon 248 is displayed on ornear icon 248, information not shown.

The visual displays of unit 200 of FIG. 4 display system parameterinformation in geometric relation to a visual representation of one ormore parts of an attached ablation catheter. The system parameterinformation displayed may be based on signals received from one or moresensors integral to the attached ablation catheter. The system parameterinformation may include patient physiologic information such as ECGinformation received from a mapping electrode or a combined ablation andmapping electrode. In a preferred embodiment, ECG information isprovided simultaneous with energy delivery, such as when delivery unit200 includes an “active” filter which is configured to actively removenoise signals generated by the concurrent tissue ablation and “pickedup” by the electrode provide the mapping electrode, for example, thesame electrode also delivering the ablation energy. The active filter isconfigured to take advantage of the known frequency, voltage and currentbeing supplied to the electrode by unit 200, to actively separate theresultant noise from the true ECG signal.

The information displayed on visual display 220 a or 220 b can beprovided in one or more modes selected from the group consisting of:alphanumeric text; a graph such as a line or bar graph; a chart such asa pie chart; and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, theinformation mode of a set of information is configured to be adjusted bya user, such as by selecting information with a control on the ablationcatheter or unit 200. In another preferred embodiment, the mode of a setof information adjusts automatically, such as when the informationchanges in value.

The information displayed on visual display 220 a or 220 b can beprovided with one or more mode characteristics selected from the groupconsisting of: size such as font size; font type such as Arial orHelvetica; graphic size, color; contrast; hue; brightness; andcombinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the information modecharacteristic of a set of information is configured to be adjusted by auser, such as by selecting information with a control on the ablationcatheter or unit 200. In another preferred embodiment, the modecharacteristic of a set of information adjusts automatically, such aswhen the information changes in value. Numerous configurations ofinformation colors, sizes and boldness can be used to simplify use, andavoid potentially dangerous situations such as an increase in font sizeor boldness when a system parameter approaches an unsafe state, such asan unsafe temperature set by a threshold. In a preferred embodiment, theinformation displayed is actual or current tissue temperatureinformation and the information displayed is shown in blue font when thetemperature approximates body temperature, and transitions to shades ofred as the temperature rises. In another preferred embodiment,temperature values are displayed in blue when the temperature is at orbelow a target temperature. Temperature is displayed in yellow whentemperatures are above the blue temperature range but still within anallowable specification (e.g. a second target level). Temperature isdisplayed in red when above the yellow temperature range (e.g. at anundesired or unacceptable level). In yet another preferred embodiment,the displayed information transitions from a lighter shade to a darkershade as the value of a piece of information increases. In yet anotherpreferred embodiment, the information displayed is target information,such as target temperature information, and the information is displayedin blue or yellow, blue representing a temperature level below thetemperature level represented by yellow. In yet another preferredembodiment, unit 200 further comprises an audio transducer, not shown.The audio transducer emits an alert sound to the operator to signify oneor more of: an icon or other displayed information is selected;information is modified; a threshold is reached by a system parameter;and combinations thereof.

The information displayed on visual display 220 a or 220 b can be of oneor more information types selected from the group consisting of:current, historic, target, threshold, and combinations thereof. Currentinformation may be real time (current time) information selected fromthe group consisting of: ECG or recognized ECG pattern; energy deliveryvalue such as power, voltage or current; temperature; rate oftemperature change; distance; force; pressure; location; andcombinations thereof. Target information may be information selectedfrom the group consisting of: recognized ECG pattern; energy deliveryvalue such as power, voltage or current; temperature; rate oftemperature change; distance; force; pressure; location; andcombinations thereof. Threshold information may be information selectedfrom the group consisting of: recognized ECG pattern; energy deliveryvalue such as power, voltage or current; temperature; rate oftemperature change; distance; force; pressure; location; andcombinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, related current andtarget information are displayed simultaneously. In another preferredembodiment, related current and threshold information are displayedsimultaneously. In yet another preferred embodiment, multiple pieces ofinformation of the same information type are displayed with the samedisplay mode characteristic. In yet another preferred embodiment,multiple pieces of information of the same information type aredisplayed in the same color.

System parameter and other information measured, calculated andotherwise determined by the system of the present invention may includesimilar information from two or more system components, such astemperature information received from two or more sensors. An operatorof the system may prefer to only view the extreme conditions, such asthe “worst-case” conditions, such as the highest of all temperaturesreceived. In a preferred embodiment, worst-case information is displayedon visual display 220 a or 220 b in a different mode or with a differentmode characteristic than non worst-case information. In anotherpreferred embodiment, worst-case information is shown in redundant formon either or both displays 220 a and 220 b, such as in one location inproximity to the element producing the associated information, and in aseparate “worst-case location”, providing a standard location for theoperator to view to see the worst-case information.

In a preferred embodiment, the attached ablation catheter includes oneor more sensors, and a visual representation of the sensor geometry isshown on display 220 a, 220 b or both. Sensor geometry may includethermocouples integral to one or more electrodes, or a separatetemperature sensor shown in relation (relative distance) to one or moreneighboring electrodes. In another preferred embodiment, the ablationcatheter includes an elongate body member, and a visual representationof the elongate body member is provided on display 220 a, 200 b or both.One or more system parameters are shown in geometric relation to thedistal portion of the elongate body member.

In another preferred embodiment, a visual representation of thepatient's anatomy, such as the anatomy neighboring the carrier assemblyof the attached ablation catheter, is shown of display 220 a, 220 b, orboth. The displayed patient's anatomy preferably is a visualrepresentation of the patient's heart, such as an atrium of the heart.Unit 200 may include a library of typical anatomical landscapes, andunit 200 is configured to allow an operator to select an appropriateanatomical image, and position the image relative to the visualrepresentation of the ablation elements or a different visualrepresentation described hereabove. Alternatively or additionally, theimage may be generated or partially generated from information receivedfrom an imaging device, all not shown, such as a: fluoroscope, externalultrasound device, internal ultrasound device, MRI unit, infraredcamera, and combinations thereof. The imaging device may be included inthe ablation catheter or inserted within a lumen of the ablationcatheter, such as an ultrasound catheter or a fiber optic camera device.The fiber optic camera may comprise an inserted fiber optic cable with awide-angle lens on the fiber optic's distal end, and a fiber opticreceiving camera on the fiber optic's proximal end.

In a preferred embodiment, bipolar RF ablation energy is combined withmonopolar RF energy to form specifically sized and positioned lesions.Energy can be delivered to multiple electrodes or multiple pairs ofelectrodes simultaneously or sequentially. Selecting which electrodesare to receive energy, and in which form (monopolar or bipolar), isgreatly simplified with the user interfaces of the present invention. Ina preferred embodiment, two electrodes are selected for receipt ofbipolar energy by one or more of: dragging a finger or stylus devicefrom a first electrode icon, such as electrode icon 241, to a secondelectrode icon such as electrode icon 242; selecting a first electrodeicon, moving a cursor from the first electrode icon to a secondelectrode icon, and selecting the second electrode icon; andcombinations thereof.

The interface unit 200 may be programmable so that energy is deliveredto certain electrodes or pairs of electrodes in a predetermined sequenceor sequences determined and/or selected by the operator. Thepredetermined sequence may depend on the value of other system orablation parameters that have previously been selected. For instance, ifthe operator selects a particular carrier arm, one of the predeterminedsequences may automatically select to receive energy the innermostelectrode on that arm or any of the other electrodes on that arm.Additionally, in bipolar mode, if the operator selects a particularelectrode on a particular carrier arm to receive energy, a predeterminedsequence may be programmed to automatically select another electrode(s)on that arm (or a different arm) which has a preselected positionrelative to the particular electrode selected by the operator. Forinstance, the second electrode that is automatically selected to receiveenergy may be the next electrode inward (or outward) from the firstelectrode selected by the operator. Alternatively, the second electrodethat is automatically selected may be the corresponding electrode on anadjacent arm (determined in a clockwise or counterclockwise directionalong the carrier array). As another example, if the operator selects aparticular arm for unipolar operation only, a predetermined (e.g.,outermost) electrode on that arm is automatically selected. A button onthe keypad may allow the user to toggle between the various electrodesin the event that a different electrode is desired. Another button (orother input means) may be employed to override the programming so thatthe selection of electrodes does not necessarily follow one of thepredetermined sequences.

FIG. 6 is flowchart summarizing a programmed sequence used to selectablation elements or electrodes. In step 610 the clinician or otheroperator selects a carrier arm to which energy is to be delivered. Instep 620, the system automatically selects a particular electrode orelectrode on the selected arm. The operator is then given the option ofaccepting or rejecting the automatic selection in step 630. If theoperator accepts the automatic selection, the various ablationparameters are set for that electrode (if needed) after which theablation process may begin. If the operator does not accept theautomatic selection, then in step 640 the operator overrides theautomatic selects and makes his or her own selection, after which thevarious ablation parameters are once again set for the operator-selectedelectrode (if needed).

Referring back to FIG. 4, graphic display unit 200 may include means ofcontrolling a robotic ablation and/or mapping catheter, not shown, suchas a catheter whose tip orientation, carrier assembly deploymentcondition or other catheter geometry orientation is remotelycontrollable. The robotic catheter typically comprises one or morelinear or rotary actuators, such as motors or solenoids, which areoperably attached to elongate, flexible linkage members slidinglyreceived by the catheter's shaft, all not shown. The actuators areactivatable by an operator via a control on graphic display unit 200,such as an icon on visual display 220 a or a button on keypad 210. Thelinkage members, attached at their proximal end to an actuator such asvia a cam or other mechanical advantage assembly, are attached at theirdistal end to an ablation and/or mapping carrier assembly, to a distalportion of the catheter shaft, or to another catheter geometry modifyingcomponent. Advancement and/or retraction of a linkage cause thecatheter's geometry to controllably, repeatably and reversibly change.In this alternative embodiment, first visual display 200 a and/or secondvisual display 220 b display the current geometric configuration of oneor all of the portions of the robotically controlled catheter that canbe remotely changed in its orientation (e.g. via known actuatorcondition and/or information from a catheter sensor). One or morecontrols of graphic display unit 200, such as a button on keypad 210, ora control icon on visual display 220 a or 220 b can be used tomanipulate or otherwise modify one or more catheter orientations, suchas by sending signals to an actuator operably connected to a linkage. Asthe linkage is advanced or retracted via a control on graphic displayunit 200, the current displayed geometry of the catheter changes, suchas by changing in real time, to provide visual feedback to the operatorregarding catheter orientation. In a preferred embodiment, graphicdisplay unit 200 receives information from one or more sensors integralto the robotically controlled catheter, such that closed loop cathetergeometry information is provided to graphic display unit 200. Sensorsmay include strain gauges, magnetic sensors and other sensors. Thevisual feedback information provided on graphic display unit 200 can beused by an operator is use of the catheter, in addition to visualinformation received via a x-ray image provided through use offluoroscopy and one or more radiographic portions of the catheter.Fluoroscopic images are often plagued with inaccuracies due to parallaxand other non-orthogonal imaging perplexities. These issues can beavoided by the catheter specific geometry information provided to theoperator by graphic display unit 200. In an alternative or additionalembodiment, an integral shape memory component, such as a shape memorypolymer or an embedded shape memory alloy wire, provides geometryinformation to graphic display unit 200. In a similar fashion to theremote control described above, an operator used a control on graphicdisplay unit 200 to modify the geometry of a portion of the catheter bychanging the shaped memory component condition. Simultaneous with thegeometry change, a visual representation of the current geometry isdisplayed on display 200 a and/or 200 b.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a catheter of the present invention isillustrated. The catheter is for performing a sterile medical procedureand for insertion into a body cavity of a patient. An integral controlassembly is included for controlling a separate medical device. Catheter400 includes handle 410 mounted on its proximal end. Handle 410 ismounted to a flexible shaft, such as a shaft configured for percutaneousinsertion and advancement in the vasculature of a patient, to perform amedical procedure such as an interventional therapeutic or diagnosticprocedure. On the proximal end of handle 410 are two attachment ports,first attachment port 420 a, such as an attachment port for an ECGmapping system and attachment port 420 b, such as an attachment port foran ablation energy delivery unit. Further included on handle 410 are twobuttons, first button 416, such as a button to initiate energy delivery,and button 417 such as a button to reset an alarm condition.

Handle 410 further includes knob 415, which is operably attached to apull-wire that extends near the distal end of shaft 401, pull-wire anddistal end not shown. Rotation of knob 415 causes the distal end ofshaft 401 to deflect, such as to orient an advancable tube toward atarget. Battery 430 is integral to handle 410, and provides power to oneor more electronic components or assemblies of handle 410. Oneelectronic component of handle 410 is tactile transducer 440, preferablya miniature motor assembly with an eccentric weight on its shaft. Rapidrotation of the shaft causes an angular momentum change such that anoperator holding handle 410 can be notified of a condition such as analarm condition.

Handle 410 further includes wireless transceiver 450, a wirelesscommunication assembly that transfers information via RF communication451 or other wireless communication means to a properly configuredwireless receiver or transceiver. Handle 410 includes various inputcomponents, mouse 411 and keypad 412. Keypad 412 is preferably awaterproof, membrane keypad with multiple activatable switches. Mouse111 is preferably a waterproof, adjustable knob that providestwo-dimensional control of a display cursor, similar to mouse-controldevices integral to some laptop computers. Handle 410 further includesone or more electronic components, not shown, to process signalsreceived from mouse 411 and keypad 412 and produce signals to betransmitted by wireless transceiver 450. The wireless information istransmitted, such as in a secure wireless transmission, to a separatemedical device, in order to control or otherwise change the state of theseparate medical device.

The separate medical device, not shown but preferably a devicemaintained out of the sterile field of the ablation catheter 400,includes one or more control functions applicable to keypad or mousecontrol. In a preferred embodiment, the separate medical device to becontrolled is selected from the group consisting of: a fluoroscopesystem; an ultrasound system; a data management system such as a patientinformation system; a cardiac defibrillation system; a cardiacmonitoring system; an esophageal probe system; and combinations thereof.In a preferred embodiment, wireless transceiver 450 sends wirelesscommunications 451 to multiple separate medical devices. Embedded in thetransmissions is preferably an ID, which signifies and/or identifies theparticular device that is intended to respond to the transmittedcommand. In an alternative embodiment, wireless transceiver 450 receivesinformation and/or commands from a separate medical device. Receivedinformation may indicate a remote device is in an alarm state, andtactile transducer 440 may alert the operator of the remote device'salarm state.

It should be understood that numerous other configurations of thesystems, devices and methods described herein may be employed withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of this application. The ablationcatheter includes one or more ablation elements such as electrodes.These electrodes may include various cross-sectional geometries,projecting fins, energy delivering portions and non-energy deliveringportions, and other varied features. The systems of the presentinvention are configured to automatically, semi-automatically ormanually adjust various ablation, mapping and other system parameterssuch as the energy applied to the ablation elements such as by adjustingone or more of the following: the level or amount of energy delivered;type of energy delivered; drive signal supplied such as monopolar andbipolar; phasing, timing or other time derived parameter of the appliedenergy; and combinations thereof.

In some cases the ablation parameters may be adjusted to theirappropriate values with the use of macros to automate frequently-usedcombinations of setting, parameters and/or sequences. For instance, somemacros may be employed in which two or more ablation parameters are setby a single user action. The macros may be pre-loaded into the interfaceunit or they may be programmed by the user via a programming interfaceincorporated in the interface unit. For example, when the user selects aparticular ablation element or ablation element pair, one macro mayestablish values for the form of energy to be delivered to it, itspower, duration and maximum temperature. Other ablation parameters thatmay be incorporated into macros include, without limitation, energyparameters (e.g., the form or type of energy, duty cycle parameter,power, monopolar and/or bipolar energy), ablation catheter parameter(e.g. catheter model number or configuration), patient parameter (e.g.,a patient physiologic parameter such as heart wall thickness or anelectrocardiogram parameter) anatomical location parameter (e.g. alocation for an ablation to be performed such as the septum between theleft and right atria) and a temperature parameter (e.g. a targetablation temperature or a maximum ablation temperature). In a preferredembodiment, a uniformity of temperature parameter is assigned to and/oractivatable by a macro. This uniformity of temperature may be acomparison of temperature between two or more temperature sensors suchas thermocouples. The thermocouples may be integrated into the ablationcatheter such that a first sensor is indicative of tissue temperatureand a second sensor is indicative of neighboring blood. Eachthermocouple may be proximate a single ablation element, or an ablationelement pair such as a pair used to deliver bipolar radiofrequencyenergy.

Some of the macros may be learning macros in which previously usedcombinations of settings, parameters and/or sequences are automated overtime. Such learning macros may be defined for certain procedures,patient parameters, ablation elements, and the like.

The macros may be established and implemented using any of theaforementioned input devices associated with the interface unit 200 suchas the touch screen display 220 a, keypad 210 and/or cursor 230. Forinstance, a particular macro may be initiated by use of a predefinedbutton on the keypad 210. The association between the macros and thebuttons on the keypad may be programmed by the user. Of course, otherdevices such as switches and the like may be used to establish and/orimplement the macros. For instance, upon establishing a new macro, iconson the touch screen display 22 a may be sequentially selected to recordvarious ablation parameters associated with the element represented bythe icon. If a touch screen display is not employed, the icons or othermacro activation elements may be selected by use of cursor 230 and acursor controlling device such as a mouse or keypad. In a preferredembodiment, multiple components can be used to select, activate oradjust an icon or other activatable adjustment means. In anotherpreferred embodiment, a selection component is located in the sterilefield of the patient (e.g. a cursor control element in the handle of anablation and/or mapping catheter of the present invention).

In some systems, the interface unit may include an autocomplete functionin which the first few characters of an alphanumeric character stringare entered by a user and automatically compared by the system topreviously entered character strings in order to reduce the number ofsteps required to complete the entry. The characters that are enteredmay also be compared to an electronic database or library of appropriateterms to complete the entry. The database or library may include,without limitation, historic system parameter data as well as termspertaining to patient specific data, operator specific data,manufacturer-supplied data and the like. The historic system parameterdata may include both data entered by an operator in previous use of thesystem, as well as data recorded by the system during its use such asrecorded temperature or power information achieved during use. Historicinformation may include information relevant to a first interface unitthat has been uploaded into a second interface unit, such as informationtransferred through electronic transfer media (e.g. USB storage device)and/or electronically networked components.

The autocomplete function may be based on a word prediction algorithmthat locates the identical or best match when comparing the enteredcharacters to previously entered character strings that have beenpreviously entered or otherwise are stored in a database of relevantinformation. In a preferred embodiment, the library is segregated intosub-libraries by system parameter type (e.g. temperature information issegregated from power information such that autocomplete is moreappropriate). The algorithm that is employed may successively comparethe partially entered character string with a library or sub-library setof values, each time a new character is entered by the user, until anappropriate match is determined. When a match is found, the user may begiven an opportunity to accept or reject the selection, such as via aconfirm function described herebelow. If no match is found, the usersimply completes the entry in the normal manner. If a match is found,but the user continues to enter additional characters, the autocompletefunction is disabled. If more than one match is found, one or more ofthem may be displayed (possibly in a rank order beginning with the bestor most likeliest match) and optionally selected by the user.

In a preferred embodiment, the system of the present invention includesa confirm function which must be activated in order for a macro, such asan autocomplete macro, to be accepted or initiated. The confirm functionmay be activated through the selection of an icon (e.g. a touch screenicon) or a switch (such as a membrane switch integral to the handle ofan ablation catheter). In a preferred embodiment, the confirm functionicon is displayed prior to macro initiation, and the operator selectsthe icon to initiate the macro.

The wireless transmissions of the present invention preferably includeinformation that assures secure communications between the two devices.Handshaking, error identification and correction methods, and otherwireless communication protocols are preferably employed to assure safeand effective therapeutic results. In a preferred embodiment, wirelesscommunications include a unique ID for either or both devices incommunication. Wireless communication means may include one-way ortwo-way capabilities. The selection means of the present invention cantake on various forms selected from the group consisting of: control onthe interface unit, device in communication with interface unit such aswired or wireless mouse or tablet; control on ablation catheter such asa wired or wireless control on handle of ablation catheter; control onseparate therapeutic device; a verbal command such as a recognized voicecommand made by an operator of the system; and combinations thereof.

The operators of the present invention may take on various forms, suchas electrophysiologists that perform cardiac arrhythmia treatmentprocedures in a catheterization or electrophysiology lab. Multipleoperators may be involved, such as the clinician performing theprocedure and residing in the sterile field of the patient, and anassistant outside the sterile field and involved with changing one ormore system parameters.

The ablation elements of the present invention are attached to energydelivery conduits that carry the energy to the electrode that issupplied by the interface unit. RF electrodes are connected to wires,preferably in a configuration with individual wires to at least twoelectrodes to allow independent drive of the electrodes includingsequential and simultaneous delivery of energy from multiple electrodes.Alternative or additional energy delivery conduits may be employed, suchas fiber optic cables for carrying light energy such as laser energy;tubes that carry cryogenic fluid for cryogenic ablation or saline forsaline mediated electrical energy ablation; conduits for carrying soundenergy; other energy delivery conduits; and combinations thereof.

The ablation elements of the catheter of the present invention canadditionally or alternatively perform the function of cardiac mapping,such as metal plate or band electrodes integral to the carrier assemblywhich record electrical activity present in tissue. In theseembodiments, the interface unit is electrically connected to thesemapping elements, receives the electrical signals recorded from thetissue in contact with the mapping elements, and processes these signalsto display ECG and other relevant signal information. The interface unitmay or may not also provide ablation energy to the catheter (e.g. ifablation elements are also integral to the catheter). The variousablation system user interface features and methods of the presentinvention, described hereabove in reference to one or more ablationelements, are directly applicable to embodiments involving mappingelements and a mapping element user interface. A mapping system visualdisplay may provide a visual representation of the geometry of one ormore mapping elements. The mapping system visual display may include anoperator selectable icon, such as an icon representing a mappingelement. The mapping system user interface may include a programminginterface with a macro function that initiates two commands with asingle action. The mapping system user interface may include anautocomplete function to automatically complete an alphanumeric stringthat has been partially entered by an operator. The mapping system userinterface may include an operator programmable adjustment means. Themapping system user interface may include a programming interface whichprovides means of selecting at least one arm of a carrier assembly of amapping catheter. After the specific arm is chosen by an operator, aspecific mapping element is automatically selected to have itsinformation displayed on a visual display of the system. The mappingsystem user interface may provide a visual representation of thegeometry of one or more mapping elements as well as a visualrepresentation of a robotically maneuverable segment.

The system includes multiple functional components, such as the ablationcatheter, and the interface unit. The interface unit preferablycomprises: energy supply means and a user interface; calculating meansfor interpreting data such as mapping data and data received from one ormore sensors; and means of comparing measured, calculated or otherwisedetermined values to one or more thresholds, such as a temperature orenergy delivery threshold. The interface unit further includes means ofadjusting one or more system parameters, such as the amount type, orconfiguration of energy being delivered, when a particular threshold ismet. The ablation catheter includes ablation elements for deliveringenergy to tissue such as cardiac tissue. Cardiac tissue applicable forablation includes left and right atrial walls, as well as other tissuesincluding the septum and ventricular tissue. The ablation catheter ofthe present invention includes a flexible shaft with a proximal end, adistal end, and a deployable carrier assembly with multiple ablationelements. The flexible shafts may include one or more lumens, such asthru lumens or blind lumens. A thru lumen may be configured to allowover-the-wire delivery of the catheter or probe. Alternatively thecatheter may include a rapid exchange sidecar at or near its distal end,consisting of a small projection with a guidewire lumen therethrough. Alumen may be used to slidingly receive a control shaft with a carrierassembly on its distal end, the carrier assembly deployable to exiteither the distal end or a side hole of the flexible shaft. Theadvancement of the carrier assembly, such as through a side hole, viacontrols on the proximal end of the device, allows specific displacementof any functional elements, such as electrodes, mounted on the carrierassembly. Other shafts may be incorporated which act as a rotationallinkage as well as shafts that retract, advance or rotate one or morecomponents. A lumen may be used as an inflation lumen, which permits aballoon mounted on a portion of the exterior wall of the flexible shaftto be controllably inflated and deflated. The balloon may be concentricor eccentric with the central axis of the shaft, it may be a perfusionballoon, and may include an in-line pressure sensor to avoidover-pressurizing. A lumen may be used to receive a rotating linkage,such as a linkage used to provide high-speed rotation of an array ofultrasound transducers mounted near the distal end of the linkage. Eachdevice included in a lumen of the flexible shafts may be removable orconfigured to prevent removal.

The ablation catheter of the present invention may include one or morefunctional elements, such as one or more location elements, sensors,transducers, antennas, or other functional components. Functionalelements can be used to deliver energy such as electrodes deliveringenergy for tissue ablation, cardiac pacing or cardiac defibrillation.Functional elements can be used to sense a parameter such as tissuetemperature; cardiac signals or other physiologic parameters; contactwith a surface such as the esophageal or atrial walls of a patient; anenergy parameter transmitted from another functional element such asamplitude, frequency; phase; direction; or wavelength parameters; andother parameters. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,the ablation catheter includes multiple functional elements. In anotherpreferred embodiment, the ablation catheter includes a deflectabledistal end; such as a deflected end that causes one or more functionalelements to make contact with tissue. Deflection means may include oneor more of: a pull wire; an expandable cage such as an eccentric cage;an expandable balloon such as an eccentric balloon; an expandable cuff;a deflecting arm such as an arm which exits the flexible catheter shaftin a lateral direction; and a suction port.

The ablation catheter of the present invention preferably includes ahandle on its proximal end. The handle may be attached to an outersheath, allowing one or more inner shafts or tubes to be controlled withcontrols integral to the handle such as sliding and rotating knobs thatare operable attached to those shafts or tubes. Alternatively, thehandle may be attached to a shaft that is slidingly received by an outersheath, such that an operator can advance and retract the shaft byadvancing and retracting the handle and holding the sheath in arelatively fixed position. The handle may include one or more attachmentports, such as attachment ports which electrically connect to one ormore wires; ports which provide connection to optical fibers providinglaser or other light energies; ports which fluidly connect to one ormore conduits such as an endoflator for expanding a balloon with salineor a source of cooling fluids; and combinations thereof. Other controlsmay be integrated into the handle such as deflecting tip controls,buttons that complete a circuit or otherwise initiate an event such asthe start of energy delivery to an ablation element. In addition, thehandle may include other functional components including but not limitedto: transducers such as a sound transducer which is activated to alertan operator of a change is status; a visual alert component such as anLED, a power supply such as a battery; a lock which prevents inadvertentactivation of an event such as energy delivery; input and output devicesthat send and receive signals from the interface unit of the presentinvention; and combinations thereof.

The interface unit of the present invention provides energy to theablation elements of the ablation catheter. In preferred embodiments,one or more ablation elements are electrodes configured to deliver RFenergy. Other forms of energy, alternative or in addition to RF, may bedelivered, including but not limited to: acoustic energy and ultrasoundenergy; electromagnetic energy such as electrical, magnetic, microwaveand radiofrequency energies; thermal energy such as heat and cryogenicenergies; chemical energy; light energy such as infrared and visiblelight energies; mechanical energy and physical energy such aspressurized fluid; radiation; and combinations thereof. The ablationelements can deliver energy individually, in combination with or inserial fashion with other ablation elements. The ablation elements canbe electrically connected in parallel, in series, individually, orcombinations thereof. The ablation catheter may include cooling means toprevent undesired tissue damage and/or blood clotting. The ablationelements may be constructed of various materials, such as plates ofmetal and coils of wire for RF or other electromagnetic energy delivery.The electrodes can take on various shapes including shapes used to focusenergy such as a horn shape to focus sound energy, and shapes to assistin cooling such as a geometry providing large surface area. Electrodescan vary within a single carrier assembly, such as a spiral array ofelectrodes or an umbrella tip configuration wherein electrodes farthestfrom the central axis of the catheter have the largest major axis. Wiresand other flexible energy delivery conduits are attached to the ablationelements, such as electrical energy carrying wires for RF electrodes orultrasound crystals, fiber optic cables for transmission of lightenergy, and tubes for cryogenic fluid delivery.

The ablation elements requiring electrical energy to ablate requirewired connections to an electrical energy power source such as an RFpower source. In configurations with large numbers of electrodes,individual pairs of wires for each electrode may be bulky and compromisethe cross-sectional profile of the ablation catheter. In an alternativeembodiment, one or more electrodes are connected in serial fashion suchthat a reduced number of wires, such as two wires, can be attached totwo or more electrodes and switching or multiplexing circuitry areincluded to individually connect one or more electrodes to the ablativeenergy source. Switching means may be a thermal switch, such that as afirst electrodes heats up, a single pole double throw switch changestate disconnecting power from that electrode and attaching power to thenext electrode in the serial connection. This integral temperatureswitch may have a first temperature to disconnect the electrode, and asecond temperature to reconnect the electrode wherein the secondtemperature is lower than the first temperature, such as a secondtemperature below body temperature. In an alternative embodiment, eachelectrode is constructed of materials in their conductive path such thatas when the temperature increased and reached a predetermined threshold,the resistance abruptly decreased to near zero, such that powerdissipation, or heat, generated by the electrode was also near zero, andmore power could be delivered to the next electrode incorporating theabove switching means.

The interface unit of the present invention includes a user interfaceincluding components including but not limited to: an ultrasound monitorsuch as an ultrasound monitor in communication with one or moreultrasound crystals near a temperature sensor of an esophageal probe orultrasound crystals within an electrode carrier assembly of the ablationcatheter; an x-ray monitor such as a fluoroscope monitor used to measurethe distance between two or more location elements; other user outputcomponents such as lights and audio transducers; input components suchas touch screens, buttons and knobs; and combinations thereof. In apreferred embodiment, the interface unit provides functions in additionto providing the energy to the ablation catheter including but notlimited to: providing a cardiac mapping function; providing cardiacdefibrillation energy and control; providing cardiac pacing energy andcontrol; providing a system diagnostic such as a diagnostic confirmingproper device connection; providing the calculating function of thepresent invention; providing a signal processing function such asinterpreting signals received from one or more sensors of a probe, suchas an esophageal probe, and/or the ablation catheter; providing drivesignals and/or energy to one or more functional elements of the ablationcatheter; providing a second energy type to the ablation elements of theablation catheter; and combinations thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the interface unit provides an analysisfunction to determine one or more system parameters that correlate toablation settings, the parameters including but not limited to: anenergy delivery amount; an energy delivery frequency; an energy deliveryvoltage; an energy delivery current; an energy delivery temperature; anenergy delivery rate; an energy delivery duration; an energy deliverymodulation parameter; an energy threshold; another energy deliveryparameter; a temperature threshold; an alarm threshold; another alarmparameter; and combinations thereof. The analysis function compares ameasured, calculated or otherwise determined function to a thresholdvalue, such as a threshold value settable by an operator of the system.In a preferred embodiment, the interface unit receives temperatureinformation from multiple sensors of the ablation catheter and/or otherbody inserted devices, and the highest reading received is compared to atemperature threshold such as a temperature threshold determined by thelocation of tissue being ablated. The analysis function includes one ormore algorithms that mathematically process information such as signalsreceived from sensors of the ablation catheter or other device;information entered into the user interface of the interface unit by theoperator; embedded electronic information uploaded from the ablationcatheter or other device such as information determined during themanufacture of the catheter or device; and combinations thereof. In apreferred embodiment, the ablation setting determined by the analysisfunction is provided to the operator via a display or other userinterface output component.

The interface unit of the present invention performs one or moremathematical functions, signal processing functions; signal transmissionfunctions; and combinations thereof, to determine a system performance(e.g. during ablation) or other system parameter. A calculation mayinclude a function performed by an operator of the system such as adistance value that is entered into the interface unit after ameasurement is performed such as a measurement made from an IVUS monitoror a fluoroscopy screen. In a preferred embodiment, energy delivered,such as a maximum cumulative energy, maximum peak energy or maximumaverage energy, is limited by a threshold. In a preferred embodiment,when a temperature reaches a threshold, one or more system parametersare modified. These modifications include but are not limited to: athreshold parameter such as an increased temperature threshold; an alarmor alert parameter such as an audible alarm “on” state; an energyparameter such as a parameter changing energy type or modifying energydelivery such as switching from RF energy to cryogenic energy orstopping energy delivery; a sensor parameter such as a parameter whichactivates one or more additional sensors; cooling apparatus parametersuch as a parameter activating a cooling apparatus; a parameter thatchanges the polarity of energy delivery or the modulation of energydelivery such as a parameter that switches from monopolar to bipolardelivery or phased monopolar-bipolar to bipolar; and combinationsthereof.

FIG. 7 is flowchart summarizing a procedure in which the ablationcatheter is employed. In step 605 the clinician selects an appropriatepatient having an arrhythmic disturbance to undergo an ablationprocedure. In step 610 the various patient parameters (e.g., arrhythmiatype) are entered into the system via the interface unit in the mannerdiscussed above. In step 615 the clinician introduces the ablationcatheter into the right or left atrium of the patient, as appropriate.The electrodes of the catheter engage the cardiac tissue and measure theelectrogram in step 620. In decision step 625 the system evaluates theelectrograms and notifies the clinician if the site should be ablated.If the system concludes that the site should not be ablated in step 630,the catheter is repositioned to evaluate another site in step 635. If,on the other hand, the system concludes that the site should be ablatedin step 640, the system loads the appropriate catheter parameters suchand energy, temperature and time. In step 650 the clinician reviews theparameters that have been established and either agrees with them orchanges one or more of them as necessary. In step 655 ablation isperformed, after which the catheter is repositioned to evaluate anothersite in step 660.

The system of the present invention preferably includes multiplefunctional elements integral to the ablation catheter and/or othersystem component. These functional elements may be mounted on the outerwall of the flexible shaft of the device. Alternatively or additionally,one or more functional elements may be mounted to a balloon, such as aperfusion balloon, eccentric balloon or concentric balloon and/orelements may be mounted to a carrier assembly such as a carrier assemblythat exits the distal end or a side hole of the flexible shaft. Thesefunctional elements may be covered with a membrane and multiple elementsmay be configured in an array such as an array that is rotated within alumen of the flexible shaft. Functional elements may be placed on thepatient's chest, such as ECG electrodes, pacing electrodes ordefibrillation electrodes. Functional elements include but are notlimited to: sensors such as temperature sensors; transmitters such asenergy transmitting electrodes, antennas and electromagnetictransmitters; imaging transducers; signal transmitters such as drivesignal transmitters.

Functional elements may include sensing functions such a sensor todetect a physiologic parameter. In a preferred embodiment, one or morefunctional elements are configured as sensors to receive signals thatare indicative of one or more cardiac functions of the patient. Sensorsmay include but are not limited to: an electrical signal sensor such asa cardiac electrode; a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple; animaging transducer such as an array of ultrasound crystals; a pressuresensor; a pH sensor; a blood sensor, a respiratory sensor; an EEGsensor, a pulse oximetry sensor; a blood glucose sensor; an impedancesensor; a contact sensor; a strain gauge; an acoustic sensor such as amicrophone; a photodetector such as an infrared photodetector; andcombinations thereof. Functional elements alternatively or additionallyinclude one or more transducers. The transducer may be a locationelement; a transmitter such as a transmitting antenna, an RF electrode,a sound transmitter; a photodiode, a pacing electrode, a defibrillationelectrode, a visible or infrared light emitting diode and a laser diode;a visualization transducer such as an ultrasound crystal; andcombinations thereof.

Numerous kit configurations are also to be considered within the scopeof this application. An ablation catheter is provided with multiplecarrier assemblies. These carrier assemblies can be removed for thetubular body member of the catheter, or may include multiple tubularbody members in the kit. The multiple carrier assemblies can havedifferent patterns, different types or amounts of electrodes, and havenumerous other configurations including compatibility with differentforms of energy. Multiple sensors, such as ECG skin electrodes may beincluded, such as electrodes that attach to the interface unit of thepresent invention. A kit may include one or more catheters, such as anultrasound catheter, which are configured to enter and extend distallyin a lumen of the ablation catheter. One or more esophageal probes maybe included such as probes with different tip or sensor configurations.

Though the ablation device has been described in terms of its preferredendocardial and percutaneous method of use, the array may be used on theheart during open-heart surgery, open-chest surgery, or minimallyinvasive thoracic surgery. Thus, during open-chest surgery, a shortcatheter or cannula carrying the carrier assembly and its electrodes maybe inserted into the heart, such as through the left atrial appendage oran incision in the atrium wall, to apply the electrodes to the tissue tobe ablated. Also, the carrier assembly and its electrodes may be appliedto the epicardial surface of the atrium or other areas of the heart todetect and/or ablate arrhythmogenic foci from outside the heart.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spiritof the invention being indicated by the following claims. In addition,where this application has listed the steps of a method or procedure ina specific order, it may be possible, or even expedient in certaincircumstances, to change the order in which some steps are performed,and it is intended that the particular steps of the method or procedureclaim set forth here below not be construed as being order-specificunless such order specificity is expressly stated in the claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. An ablation system, the ablation systemcomprising: an ablation catheter including a plurality of electrodes;and an interface unit in communication with the ablation catheter, theinterface including a visual display, the visual display showing ageometric configuration of the plurality electrodes and at least oneinformation icon proximate each of the plurality of electrodes.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the at least one information icon is selectedfrom the group consisting of: electrical signal from at least one of theplurality of electrodes, current quantitative representation of a systemparameter, a system parameter target value, selected energy mode,temperature, rate of temperature change, energy transmission status ofat least one of the plurality of electrodes, energy delivery value,distance, force, pressure, location, and combinations thereof.
 3. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein the visual display is a first visual display,the interface unit further including a second visual display.
 4. Thesystem of claim 3, wherein the geometric configuration of the pluralityof electrodes is a first geometric configuration of the plurality ofelectrodes, the second visual display showing a second geometricconfiguration of the plurality of electrodes and at least oneinformation icon proximate each of the plurality of electrodes.
 5. Thesystem of claim 4, wherein the at least one information icon is selectedfrom the group consisting of: electrical signal from at least one of theplurality of electrodes, current quantitative representation of a systemparameter, a system parameter target value, selected energy mode,temperature, rate of temperature change, energy transmission status ofat least one of the plurality of electrodes, energy delivery value,distance, force, pressure, location, and combinations thereof.
 6. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein the system parameter is selected from thegroup consisting of: an energy delivery parameter selected from thegroup consisting of: current, voltage, frequency, power, monopolar modeor bipolar mode, duration, impedance, and type of energy to bedelivered; a sensor parameter selected from the group consisting of:tissue contact measurement value, temperature, pressure, strain,impedance, ECG or EKG, cardiac flow rate, tissue thickness, and tissuelocation an alarm parameter; a physical catheter parameter; and athreshold value for a system parameter.
 7. The system of claim 1,wherein the ablation catheter further includes: a plurality of flexibleablation elements, at least one of the plurality of electrodes locatedon each of the plurality of ablation elements; a flexible, tubular bodymember having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extendingtherebetween; and a control shaft receivable within the lumen of thetubular body member, the control shaft being configured to retract atleast one of the plurality of ablation elements within the lumen of thetubular body member and being configured to extend at least one of theplurality of ablation elements beyond the distal end of the tubular bodymember.
 8. The system of claim 3, wherein the ablation catheter furtherincludes at least one sensor.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the atleast one sensor is located on at least one of the plurality of ablationelements.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein a geometric configurationof the at least one sensor is shown on at least one of the first visualdisplay and the second visual display.
 11. The system of claim 6,wherein the visual display indicates a system parameter, the interfaceunit being configured to change a value of a system parameter.
 12. Thesystem of claim 6, wherein the visual display indicates changes in thevalue of a system parameter.
 13. The system of claim 3, wherein at leastone of the first visual display and the second visual display show avisual representation of at least a portion of a patient's anatomy. 14.The system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of electrodes isconfigured to read at least one of ECG and EKG information, andconfigured to transmit energy to tissue in a monopolar mode, a bipolarmode, and a combination monopolar-bipolar mode.
 15. The system of claim14, wherein at least one of the plurality of electrodes defines atriangular cross section.
 16. The system of claim 2, wherein the systemfurther comprises an audio transducer in communication with theinterface unit, the audio transducer being configured to indicate anevent selected from the group consisting of a change in a systemparameter and the system parameter exceeding a threshold value.
 17. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the user interface is programmable tomodifying the operation of at least one of the plurality of electrodes.18. The system of claim 1, wherein the user interface is programmable toselectively deliver energy to one or more of the plurality ofelectrodes.
 19. An ablation system, the system comprising: an ablationcatheter including a plurality of carrier arms, each carrier armincluding at least one electrode; an interface unit in communicationwith the ablation catheter, the interface including a first visualdisplay and a second visual display, each of the first and second visualdisplays showing a geometric configuration of the plurality electrodesand at least one information icon proximate each of the plurality ofelectrodes.
 20. A method for selecting electrodes for energy delivery,the method comprising: displaying a visual display of an interface unitconfigured to accept a manual selection of one or more carrier arms ofan ablation catheter for energy delivery; automatically selecting one ormore electrodes in communication with the selected one or more carrierarms; displaying on the visual display an option for the manualconfirmation of the automatically selected one or more carrier arms; andautomatically determining ablation parameters and automaticallyactivating the one or more electrodes when the automatic selection ofone or more electrodes is manually confirmed.